Monday, 20 August 2012

So Rebel Heart Totally Screwed With My Heart!<3

I look like a total dork BUT here is me and my beautiful baby! x') Ace book!<3

I luuuuuurrrrrrved this book! It's like a sex god made from paper and ink... Y'know?

Gahhhh... this book! *Swoons* I keep making blog posts about it because I'm just like "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!" I'm not going to pretend the book was perfect (it wasn't) but it was epic! The good bits made up for the bad!

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Amongst The Ruins - Saewod Tice - Review

So, uhhh, I read this like really amazing book, it's called "Amongst the ruins" and if you don't read it then, uhhh, I guess it's your loss.

This books was truly amazing! I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It's the first novel in the promising 2020 chronicles. When I finished reading "Amongst the ruins" I completely fangirled to the author and she hasn't replied yet so I think I scared her? Maybe the part where I told her I "loved" her did it?

Ok, so onto the more serious part of the review... Heck, this is going to be so hard to write! I'm still so hyper about the book!

I genuinely don't know where to start or what to say to prove how phenomenal this novel was. It's hard to sum up awesomeness in a few paragraphs.

Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me and is now one of favourites of all time.

The plot was basic yet seemed so complex at the same time. There were so many twists and unpredictable turns. In the future the remaining 15% of the population live in clans due to the collapse in society after a nuclear disaster devastated mankind. The 'Nigredo" are savage, radiation-twisted mutants, almost human-like if it weren't for their lack of empathy, who threaten to ruin the life mankind has salvaged from their past failures; but they're not all that endanger Shilo's life, freedom and future.

Shilo's transformation from a young girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world.

The characters are what make the story. The characterisation was beautiful and ever so real. The heartless mean fueled me with adrenaline and her friends and family enveloped me in warmth. I felt everything she experienced as if I were her, but at the same time I felt as though I was sat on the side line, unable to help her when my heart was screaming at me to do so.

The relationships between characters, whether they were enemies, friends, family or lovers were indecisive, believable and emotional. The feelings characters developed towards one another and the words they wished they'd had a chance to say make you realise just how precious life is.

I really can't strain enough how prodigious this novel was. The plot was simple yet layered, the characters all too human and beautiful.

A compelling read. An admirable protagonist. Her story will consume you.

The Other Life - Susanne Winnacker - Review

"Danger isn't the only thing that makes your heart beat faster."

The Other Life: Who we were before the virus. How we'll never be again. It's been 3 years, 1 month, 1 week and 6 days since Sherry has seen daylight. When things went wrong up above, she was sealed off from the world in a bunker with her family. But when they run out of food, Sherry and her dad must venture outside. There they find devastation, desolation... and the weepers: savage mutant killers.

When Sherry's dad is snatched from her , she joins Joshua. He's handsome and strong but he's also troubled and his thirst for revenge against the weepers may put them both at risk.

"The Seeds of first love are sown amongst the death and destruction of a nightmare future in this incredible debut novel. Beautifully and gut-wrenchingly gripping, it's essential reading." - Amazon

For a debut, this is phenomenal! This novel puts Susanne Winnacker high up on the ladder of dystopian fiction. The plot injects adrenaline into your veins while the characters grasp at your heart strings, hanging on by their fingertips.

I read this book in one sitting which is something I usually try to avoid, but could not resist, doing.

The characterisation was so real compared to other books. Sherry isn't your typical "Katniss Everdeen" as so many protagonists are wrongly compared to. She doesn't know how to throw a knife or make it hit its target every time. Joshua isn't invincible. He's not superman. He's a teenage boy trying to survive in this all to real hell of a world.

I loved this book to pieces! Definitely a new favourite! It's the first in a planned trilogy and I'm dying to get my hands on the next book!

The only negative thing I can say about this novel is that it ended all too soon! ;D *sigh* At least there's a sequel!! :D

Outsider - Micalea Smeltzer - Review

"This novel shifts from wolves to humanity and back again with a cast of characters who are truly remarkable; all entwined in a love story which will have you swooning and shifting in your seats." - EponaReviews

All little girls dream of being a princess. They dream of a prince. A fairy tale of their own.They've all watched Snow White, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast; but none ever dreamt they'd be the beast...

Sophie's world is turned upside down when she discovers the truth about her life. About what she is. She's scared but she's not alone. She may not have her prince but she certainly has her Alpha and he's all hers.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and found myself occasionally laughing throughout the story. There's action, friendship, betrayal, secrets, romance and, of course, wolves.

The story is written in first person, past tense, from the POV of 17 year old, Sophie. The only downside to this novel (perhaps down to being self-published) was the lack of editing, both grammatical and developmental, but despite this it was a fabulous novel.

This is a romance story and so much more and despite not containing vampires or werewolves (the wolves in this novel are known as 'shifters') I would probably recommend this novel to fans of Twilight as the Williams wolf pack reminds me so much of the Cullens family. And for once, there's not a love triangle!

I picked up this novel after devouring Maggie Stiefvater's "The wolves of mercy falls" trilogy and found myself craving more. Outsider did not quench my thirst but in fact gave me a taste for something new.

Hilarious! A down to earth novel with characters you want to hit over the head, laugh with and laugh at. I devoured this book in one sitting and will probably re-read it again in the future. A must read for teenagers 15+

The characters had great personalities. They were funny, kind, stupid, selfish, ; they were human. Typical teenagers who managed to stay unique in their own way.

The story is simple and realistic but at the same time is highly unpredictable which made it all the more enjoyable! With so many scenes being easy to relate to, I really can't think of anyone who wouldn't really enjoy this book! It was funny but had enough 'serious' scenes in it to keep it real. I certainly cracked a smile, heck, I laughed my socks off!

Arena One - Morgan Rice - Review

Arena One - the first in a trilogy - struck me as a combination of Lara Croft, Blood Red Road and The Hunger Games; an interesting and chaotic mix. You'll find action, loyalties, love and devastation. With so much on the line, how do you know what is really worth fighting for?

Brooke is the daughter of a marine. She's a survivor. That's the one good trait she's inherited. She's also stubborn, like her mother. But that's a problem...

Despite not having the most original of plots (it was more of a mash up of other dystopian novels) this novel made me think more than other dystopians. It made me realise how destructive we, as humans, truly are and how selfish I, as a person, really am. I don't think I'd have the guts nor determination to do what Brooke did. I can admit (and am rather ashamed to do so) that I would have given up and lost hope. I would have abandoned everyone...

This novel is rather descriptive in the travelling aspect. It's very specific. You never leave the character; you're with her the whole time as she narrowly misses colliding with a crumbling building and as she turns a corner too sharply onto 59th street and then swerves on a patch of ice outside an abandoned apple store. I admit I did find this description a little dry at times and extremely repetitive, y'know, like, "ok, ok, I get that you're driving, now something different happen!.." but it did help you to put yourself in Brooke's shoes, I guess?

Brooke's journey was not fun or exciting. It was not short and sweet. It was long, tiring and tedious. It made you appreciate just how hard things were for her and again highlighted how selfish I am because I know for sure that I would not be willing to sacrifice myself as often as she was willing to.

The characters weren't original but neither were they cliche. They were their own people but if you want to know their personalities in a nutshell then here they are. Ben is "the boy with the bread" or in this case "deer". He is another Peeta Mellark ALL over. Completely helpless but somehow manages to pull through. Then there's Logan. He's strong and is a born fighter, just like Brooke. Brooke's sister is definitely a strong-willed "Prim" and Brooke is... hmmmm, I'm not sure. I guess she's a patchwork of the fighter within us all and protagonists from other dystopian novels.

I wasn't sure how I felt about this book when I was half way through reading it, it was slow and dull in places (and similar to other novels) but after reading the last word I am definitely craving more because I can't wait to see where this story takes us!

Morgan Rice has taken a running jump into the dystopian world and I hope that this trilogy stays afloat.

This novel is an anomaly in itself. Very rarely does a book affect me so much that I cry at a character's heartache or share their rush of adrenaline. This is a must read!

You're thrown straight into the story here, which I liked. There's no waiting around for half a book before the real plot begins.

A unique aspect of this novel is the relationship between the characters and the reader. Typically in novels you either love or hate a character, but not here. One minute I'd be swooning over a character and the next I'd actually be angry at them. It made the novel feel more realistic and the characters were so genuine; they weren't perfect, they each had their flaws. It made them appear even more human. I also noticed that my reactions to the events which unfolded throughout the book highlighted my own imperfections.

The reader can truly engage in this novel as their is no "right" and "wrong". You choose whether or not someone's intentions were good or bad and whether or not you think a character is a friend or foe. I asked one of the authors "Is New Haven a good or bad place?" before reading the novel and she replied "That's for you to decide." It makes the book so unpredictable because you constantly have mixed emotions about everyone and so does the protagonist.

My emotions were evoked severely in this novel. It's not an emotional read ash such but I felt the character's butterflies, her nerves, heartache, anger, confusion and I even had an adrenaline rush at one point! Not to mention tears! This is how well the authors managed to build and maintain a relationship with the reader; extremely impressive!

I can't put into words how good this book is. It is intense, unpredictable, emotional, engaging and prodigious.

A phenominal debut from two talented authors. The first in a trilogy - a promising one.

Falling Fast - Sophie McKenzie - Review

River auditions for a female role in a local all boys' school production of Romeo and Juliet.

She has always dreamt of finding true love so she believes that she'll fit into Juliet's shoes perfectly. Then, she sees Flynn. He's playing Romeo and causes her to not only believethat she could be a good Juliet, but he makes her want it.

The only problem is that Emmi, River's best friend, is running for the same role.

You follow River as she falls head over heals for Flynn and tries to find out if he feels the same way.

I don't like Shakespeare nor do I like Romeo and Juliet. BUT I adored this novel! I actually picked it up after reading "Star-crossed Romeo and Juliet" by Rachel Wing as the two books sounded similar-ish (only in that novel, the teens cast as Romeo and Juliet are enemies). It's another fabulous romance novel!

Anyway, back to this book! The soul focus of this novel isn't actually on the play 'Romeo and Juliet'. That's just a... catalyst, if you like? The book is actually more so about the characters.

This novel isn't at all like I expected. When I first picked it up I thought it would literally be a retelling of Romeo and Juliet or a cat and mouse game - River chasing Flynn. It isn't at all like that. I thought the novel would be predictable and patronising but it is actually unique and mature. I laughed with River, I cringed for her and I understood her.

I like how Flynn has his flaws and how you have to debate with yourself whether or not his actions can be justified. How friendships and family relationships are put to the test under the pressure. The characters are all so real and their stories are heart-wrenching. This book is way more in depth than I thought it would be and has a few twists you won't see coming.

I read it in one sitting and recommend it to any romance/contemporary readers out there. :) I do recommend it for 15+ though as some of the topics covered (though handled lightly) might not be appreciated by younger readers.

Rebel Heart continues on a few months after the journey ended in Blood Red Road. The characters have aged what seems like years in maturity and mental state when only a few months have actually passed them by. The events they endured throughout Blood Red Road has toughened their skin but scrambled their hearts... and Saba's mind.

This sequel is actually more... emotional? As where Blood Red Road was a lot of action. Don't get me wrong, there's plenty of action! It's just that the characters are cracking under the pressure and their true personalities and feelings are beginning to show; shining a light on long lost secrets.

The first half of the book isn't anything special. It's not boring! It's far from boring! It's really good and there are small hints about bigger twists dropped here and there which begin to unravel later on in the book. BUT compared to the second half of the novel... pfffft... all I can say is that the second half completely blew the first half off the face of the earth!

There were so many twists that my heart could barely cope! One minute I'd be crying out "Noooooooooo!" while my stomach did a fuzzy flip and the next I'd be like "YES!" only to have my heart stomped all over within the next five sentences. It was truly a roller coaster of emotions! At some parts I was like "ahhhh, I know what's going to happen!" and I was right which made me a bit like "oh, well that was predictable..." but then there'd be a twist on what I expected to happen which made it totally unexpected... if that makes ANY sort of sense? ( I hope I haven't truly frazzled your brain with that!)

One of the only negative things I can say about this book is that there was a lack of originality in some VERY SMALL parts. Most people won't notice them at all but I did. (This isn't a spoiler) Lugh tells them all of a better life, and Emmi and Tommo beg him to tell them about the rabbits in their new life. This, to me, was stolen from the novel "Of mice and men." Could she not have at least changed the animal? Hmmm... maybe it was pure coincidence? And she took the name "Slim" from a character in "Of mice and men" which bugged me again. I think it's pretty obvious that she borrowed these two things from that novel. They're minor things and don't play a major part in the novel at all, in fact, they could have easily been missed out. I've only noticed them as I studied the novel "Of mice and men" for an essay last year.

Also (again negative) there were so many loose ends by the end of the novel. There were twists that took you down dead end paths... they were clever but pointless. Also there were a few characters who were utterly pointless too. And a few scenes were just too far-fetched. I loved how Blood Red Road was unlikely to happen but possible; it was realistic. This can't be said about Rebel Heart.

Those negative points could have easily been erased if the novel has been revised by a developmental editor or just written slightly better by the author. I don't know.

I do have to say that there's more positive than negative with this novel! I just had a few pet hates which I couldn't not include in the review.

That aside, this was a truly fantastic novel! The characterisation was brilliant! A few scenes were a bit weird but the majority of it was ever so clever! The action, relationships, emotions, twists... Gahhhhhhh!

I realise how I haven't made this book sound very good at all... (especially with my lil rage in the middle) ...I'm actually so frustrated because I can't put into words how amazing this sequel was! Seriously, if you have a heart condition, keep the phone nearby with 999 pre-dialed. My heart nearly beat out of my chest while I was reading this and I had so much adrenaline in my veins that I felt sick at one point! It's rare that a book does this to me! Yeh, some make me smile, or laugh or cringe but it's not everyday a book makes me feel like I'm having a heart attack!

Rebel Heart was... *wordgasm* dhjffdhjgvnfdvgldhsmc;fmdhlh!!!!!!!!

If you enjoyed 'Blood Red Road' then 'Rebel Heart' is a must read!

If you want to read some quotes from the novel (all spoiler free and hand picked by me) then click -> Quotes.

Friday, 17 August 2012

I won't review this Goddess of a novel until I've calmed down else it'll just be a load of "Aaaaaaaah" and "Eeeeeeeeeek!" and "OMG!" and *heart attack, someone call 999!*

SO in the mean time, here's 6 of my fav quotes from the novel!<3

Person #1" 'You kept the door to that heart of yers locked up tight an hid the key away. Looks like she found it.' "Person #2 " 'Keys ain't her style. She kicked the door down.' "

Person #1 " 'Hey. C'mere.' He comes to me. Wraps me in his arms an kisses the top my my head. 'This is me yer talkin to. I've racketed all over the place. I'm hardly in a position to judge anybody.' "Person #2 " 'I love you'. I whisper it into his sleeve so's he don't hear."

Hottie # " 'We ain't got time for you to yell at me or for me to tell you everythin that's happened, so I'm jest gonna cover the main points real quick an then I'm gonna kiss you.' "

Person #1" 'G'bye, Saba,' He says"Person #2 " 'Sunofabitch,' I says."

Someone # " ' D'you ever think about her? She'd be 6 by now. I know it's stupid, but... I like to imagine how she'd be. What kind of character, y'know. Who she might take after. She had eyes just like yours. She was beautiful, wasn't she?' "

Someone # " 'Slim said some people hope they'll die in a... magnificent splendour, like the sun. I think that's what she hoped.' " <- That quote only means something once you've read a scene earlier on in the book and when it's in context, but it's one of my fav quotes so here it is!

Again, I can't explain how amazing this novel turned out to be! A fantastic sequel to "Blood Red Road" and I can't wait for the 3rd/final novel! *Review coming soon.*

Tuesday, 14 August 2012

I have a mini-jackass delivery arriving tomorrow which makes no sense because those two words contradict each other but HEY HO!

I am now on a book buying ban... 11 books in one day is uhhhh, a LOT for me... probably more than I can afford!

Only 9 are arriving tomorrow but I'm still EXCITED! :')

They were on offer... £1.99 each or 3 for £5 so I went wild! Who can blame me?!

I'll post a picture and list etc etc up tomorrow on all the books! I also have some coming in the post for review! 3 maybe?.. I really can't remember... my ebook review list is growing so I kinda need to clamber on top of that list and stomp it down a little!

AND I got a signed post-card from Meagan Spooner which was pretty cool ;D I'll post a pic of that too!

So... ummmm... yeh.... that is the explanation of the very loud "eeeeeeek" you heard before! :D Just a mini update to show that I haven't been carried away and mauled over by zombies because I haven't posted in a while!

Saturday, 4 August 2012

Alice In ZombieLand ARC

So I got my first official ARC today. I was a very happy birdy! x') I can't wait to start this book, it sounds so promising! If you're about to read this book or have read it then let me know via a comment or email and let me know what you thought! :)

Excerpt

"Had anyone told me that my entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, I would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please.

But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second and everything I knew and loved was gone.

My name is Alice Bell, and on the night of my sixteenth birthday I lost the mother I loved, the sister I adored and the father I never understood until it was too late. Until that heartbeat when my entire world collapsed and a new one took shape around me.

My father was right. Monsters walk among us.

***

So. Yeah. I should have listened to my father. He warned me over and over again never to go out at night, never to venture into the cemetery and never, under any circumstances, to trust someone who wants you to do, either. He should have taken his own advice, because he trusted me - and I convinced him to do both. I wish I could go back and do a thousand things differently. I'd tell my sister no. I'd never beg my mother to talk to my dad. I'd stop my tears from falling. I'd zip my lips and swallow those hateful words. Or, barring all of that, I'd hug my sister, my mum and my dad one last time. I'd tell them I love them."

That is a broken up excerpt from the "Note from Alice" before chapter one. :)